First Impressions of Apex Ammunition TSS Z-Series Waterfowl 28 Gauge 3/4 oz 2 3/4” 9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition Z28-9W 26% Off
The quest for the perfect waterfowl load is a never-ending journey for serious hunters. Many strive for that magical combination of tight patterns, deep penetration, and ethical kills at extended ranges. I was immediately intrigued by the claims surrounding Apex Ammunition TSS Z-Series Waterfowl 28 Gauge 3/4 oz 2 3/4” 9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition Z28-9W 26% Off.
Having spent over a decade chasing ducks and geese in diverse environments, from the flooded timber of Arkansas to the windswept marshes of the Dakotas, I’ve seen it all when it comes to ammunition performance. My primary focus was finding a 28-gauge load that could consistently deliver lethal results on wary birds, even when shots weren’t picture-perfect. Tungsten Super Shot (TSS) has garnered a reputation for exceptional density and energy retention, prompting me to see if the hype matched the reality.
The initial impression was one of premium quality. The shells were neatly packaged, the vibrant black hull exuded a sense of purpose, and the crimp was impeccable. Compared to more common steel loads I’ve used in the past and even some bismuth offerings, these Apex Ammunition shells felt noticeably denser in hand, despite their smaller 3/4 oz payload. I chose these over some other 28-gauge options due to the allure of TSS and the promise of superior performance. I was definitely excited to see how these shells performed in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting Apex Ammunition TSS Z-Series Waterfowl 28 Gauge 3/4 oz 2 3/4” 9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition Z28-9W 26% Off to the Test
First Use Experience
My first opportunity to test the Apex Ammunition TSS Z-Series Waterfowl 28 Gauge 3/4 oz 2 3/4” 9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition Z28-9W 26% Off came during an early teal season hunt in the Louisiana marsh. We were hunting from a brushed-in blind over decoys, expecting close-range shots at fast-flying birds. The weather was warm and humid, a typical September morning in the South.
The shells cycled flawlessly through my Franchi Affinity 28 gauge. The recoil was surprisingly mild for a load purportedly packing such a punch. I connected on a couple of long crossing shots that would have been questionable with steel, folding the teal cleanly. There were no malfunctions or misfires, and the pattern seemed remarkably consistent, even at distances beyond my usual comfort zone with the 28 gauge.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of using the Apex Ammunition TSS loads throughout the waterfowl season, I can confidently say they’ve become my go-to choice for 28-gauge hunting. I’ve used them in conditions ranging from freezing rain to dry, dusty fields, and they have performed flawlessly. The shells show no signs of degradation from moisture, and the crimps remain tight and secure.
I haven’t observed any significant wear and tear on my shotgun as a result of using TSS, but I do make a point of thoroughly cleaning the bore after each hunt. Comparing this experience to past hunts with standard steel shot, the difference in terminal performance is undeniable; these shells simply hit harder and penetrate deeper. I’ve been consistently impressed with their reliability and effectiveness.
Breaking Down the Features of Apex Ammunition TSS Z-Series Waterfowl 28 Gauge 3/4 oz 2 3/4” 9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition Z28-9W 26% Off
Specifications
The Apex Ammunition TSS Z-Series Waterfowl 28 Gauge 3/4 oz 2 3/4” 9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition Z28-9W 26% Off boasts some impressive specs: it’s a 28-gauge shell, 2 3/4 inches in length, loaded with 3/4 oz of #9 Tungsten Super Shot (TSS). Each box contains 10 rounds, and the stated muzzle velocity is 1350 ft/s. It is designed for hunting waterfowl, using a centerfire primer, encased in a plastic cartridge, and is lead-free.
The fact that it’s loaded with TSS is the biggest differentiator. Tungsten is significantly denser than lead or steel, meaning that for a given pellet size, it carries far more energy and maintains its velocity better at longer ranges. The smaller #9 shot count provides a dense pattern, increasing the odds of hitting a vital area. The 1350 ft/s velocity helps to ensure sufficient energy on target.
Performance & Functionality
The Apex Ammunition TSS Z-Series Waterfowl 28 Gauge 3/4 oz 2 3/4” 9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition Z28-9W 26% Off performs exceptionally well. Its tight patterns and deep penetration offer ethical, clean kills on waterfowl, even at distances that would be pushing the limits of standard steel loads. The #9 shot size provides a high pellet count, increasing the probability of multiple hits on the target.
A noticeable strength is the consistent pattern density, which minimizes the chances of wounding birds. A potential weakness is that the smaller shot size may not be ideal for extremely large waterfowl like Canada geese at longer ranges, where larger shot sizes might be preferred for deeper penetration. Ultimately, the Apex Ammunition TSS lives up to and often exceeds expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Apex Ammunition TSS Z-Series Waterfowl 28 Gauge 3/4 oz 2 3/4” 9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition Z28-9W 26% Off is straightforward and functional. The black plastic hull is durable and weather-resistant. The shells load smoothly into the chamber and extract without issue.
The shells are comfortable to handle, and the recoil is manageable in most 28-gauge shotguns. There is no learning curve; they function just like any other shotgun shell.
Durability & Maintenance
The Apex Ammunition TSS Z-Series Waterfowl 28 Gauge 3/4 oz 2 3/4” 9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition Z28-9W 26% Off appears to be built for long-term storage and reliable performance in the field. The high-quality components and construction should ensure a long shelf life. Minimal maintenance is required.
Simply keep the shells stored in a dry place to prevent any potential degradation of the powder or primer. The shells themselves are not designed to be reloaded.
Accessories and Customization Options
No accessories come with the Apex Ammunition TSS Z-Series Waterfowl 28 Gauge 3/4 oz 2 3/4” 9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition Z28-9W 26% Off itself. The primary customization option is selecting the appropriate choke for the specific hunting situation and desired pattern density. Choosing the right choke is crucial to maximizing the effectiveness of these shells.
These shells should be compatible with any choke designed for use with tungsten or other non-toxic shot. Pay close attention to the choke manufacturer’s recommendations to avoid any potential damage to your shotgun or choke tube.
Pros and Cons of Apex Ammunition TSS Z-Series Waterfowl 28 Gauge 3/4 oz 2 3/4” 9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition Z28-9W 26% Off
Pros
- Unmatched terminal performance for 28-gauge waterfowl hunting.
- Extremely tight and consistent patterns at extended ranges.
- High pellet count increases the chances of multiple hits.
- Manageable recoil in most 28-gauge shotguns.
- Lead-free and environmentally responsible.
Cons
- Relatively high cost compared to steel or bismuth loads.
- The small #9 shot size may not be ideal for very large waterfowl at extended ranges.
- Availability can be limited in some areas.
Who Should Buy Apex Ammunition TSS Z-Series Waterfowl 28 Gauge 3/4 oz 2 3/4” 9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition Z28-9W 26% Off?
Apex Ammunition TSS Z-Series Waterfowl 28 Gauge 3/4 oz 2 3/4” 9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition Z28-9W 26% Off is perfect for serious waterfowl hunters who prioritize ethical, clean kills and are willing to invest in premium ammunition for superior performance. It is also ideal for hunters who use 28-gauge shotguns and want to maximize their effectiveness in the field. This is also great for hunters restricted to non-toxic shot.
Hunters primarily targeting very large waterfowl like Canada geese at longer ranges may want to consider alternative loads with larger shot sizes. Hunters on a very tight budget might find the cost prohibitive.
Conclusion on Apex Ammunition TSS Z-Series Waterfowl 28 Gauge 3/4 oz 2 3/4” 9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition Z28-9W 26% Off
In summary, the Apex Ammunition TSS Z-Series Waterfowl 28 Gauge 3/4 oz 2 3/4” 9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition Z28-9W 26% Off is a top-tier waterfowl load that delivers exceptional performance. The price is higher than standard steel loads, but the enhanced terminal ballistics and extended range capabilities justify the investment for serious hunters. I absolutely recommend it to anyone seeking the best possible performance from their 28-gauge shotgun.
If you’re ready to experience the difference that TSS can make, I encourage you to give Apex Ammunition a try. You might just find that it transforms your waterfowl hunting success.